Magesi coach, John Maduka, emphasized the need to handle pressure
Magesi enters the match against AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday as the defending champions of the Carling Knockout Cup, having clinched the title last season in a thrilling contest against Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We are defending champs. When we are going to the game, everyone knows that these are the ones that are keeping that trophy, so that makes it very, very difficult for us,” shared John Maduka.
The Limpopo-based club's memorable journey in the tournament concluded with a sensational 2-1 victory over heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, highlighted by an 87th-minute equalizer from Delano Abrahams.
This year, Magesi approaches the competition under the guidance of Maduka, a seasoned coach previously associated with Royal AM and Bloemfontein Celtic.
“If we want to be able to retain this, we have to start from game one, and the game one is against AmaZulu, and from there we take it game by game,” Maduka stressed.
Additionally, Maduka acknowledged the importance of confidence as his team currently sits in 15th place in the Betway Premiership, perilously close to relegation above 16th-place Chippa United solely due to goal difference.
“I mean, this cup game can provide us with the confidence we need in the league. We've experienced many unfortunate losses despite putting forth solid performances,” Maduka noted.
The last encounter between Magesi and AmaZulu resulted in a 1-1 stalemate during league play in Limpopo.
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